Training and Confrontations

Chapter VII Thursday, August 1, 1996

"Hi, Mad-Eye. We were really expecting you for lunch. Come in."

"Thank you, Harry," Moody growled. "That's what I had planned, too."

"What's happened?" Harry asked as he shut the door.

"You haven't seen any news today? Muggle news, I mean?"

"No," Harry answered. "What's happened?"

"Voldemort did something we never, ever thought he would do."

"What would you put past the likes of him?" Luna asked.

"It seems your Miss Granger is a very smart lass."

"Is she alright?" Harry demanded, suddenly worried. Luna gave him a penetrating look.

"Physically, yes," Moody said, refusing the offer of a chair. "Now, let me tell the story. She apparently researched the blood-magic your mother used on you, along with related magic."

Harry nodded. "She's been interested in it since I told her about it at the end of our First year. I know that's an area she's been looking into ever since."

"Well, somehow she got into the restricted area. Know anything about that?"

Harry shrugged. "Lockhart and the fake you were both pretty liberal with passes for her. Some of the other professors might have been, too."

"I see. In any event, she managed to cast a blood ritual which would protect her family from magical attacks. It was based on runes and wandless incantations, rather than wand-magic. Voldemort somehow not only found out about it, but then hired Muggles to burn the place down last night. We added wards to prevent a repeat of what happened to your relatives, but there's really nothing we can do to a Muggle house to prevent Muggles from attacking it. Granger is fine, because she was at the Burrow for a few weeks, but both her parents were killed."

"Poor Hermione," Luna said, tearing up.

"I wish there was something we could do," Harry said.

"Well, she does want to be with you, Potter."

"What?" Harry was shocked and confused at that.

"Well, I gather she and the Weasley boy had been getting . . . friendly."

"True," Harry acknowledged. Ron had been trying, and mostly failing, since the previous Christmas at the least.

"Well, the boy was trying to comfort her, but he must have said something that set her off. She walloped him, and then that spitfire sister of his booted his backside. Granger collapsed crying, and just kept on saying that she wished you were there, and that she needs you."

Harry leveled his gaze on Moody. "Mad-Eye, there are very few people I trust not to mess with my mind, not even for my own good. I'd like to think that you are one of them."

The raw power of the teen's magical aura hit Moody like an arctic wind. Moody's jaw dropped open from the shock, but he shut it quickly. He could tell both how angry Harry was about what Voldemort had done, and how worried he was about Hermione, just from that blast of power. "Considering how much you've been abused in this area, I won't even be offended, Harry. I'm telling you the truth."

"There's no way she can be brought here, is there?" Luna asked.

"I don't see how," Moody said. "Well, I could kidnap her, but there's no way to bring her here without creating a really huge mess."

"Is Daddy going to be in trouble?" Luna asked.

"No," Moody answered. "No one asked him if he knew where Harry was that I know of, and there was never any public announcement that anyone had to turn in the location of either of you. He hid you, and you needed hiding. If you want to go to the Burrow, I can take you both, and then I can go find your father in Sweden and talk with him. If you'd like, I can even take a letter. It's up to you." Moody looked around. "Nice place. I wonder if he would let a friend of mine use it. Muggle-born, would like this place, right down to that computing thingy in the back room."

"A lot of this stuff is ours," Harry pointed out. He looked at Luna. "May we go?"

"Of course we go," she said. She turned to Moody. "We can be ready by nine o'clock. Will you stay for dinner?"

"Aye, lass, and thank you."

The three agreed not to let on where Harry and Luna had stayed. Moody showed them a Muggle newspaper, and that was their cover story. Harry had seen the attack on the Grangers in the paper and contacted Moody because he knew Hermione would need him.

Harry made one other request. At sixteen, he would have a great deal of say in who his magical guardian was over the next year. Moody agreed to the job, after he and Harry had negotiated terms which satisfied them both.

Moody watched the pair pack up, amazed at the strides they, especially Harry, had made in wandless magic. Moody made a portkey, and then the three of them flooed to The Quibbler office. They stepped out to in front of the Consular office across the hall, and then Moody activated the portkey (no one was likely to even question a portkey starting off from a Consular office). The trio appeared at the front door of the Burrow. Moody then apparated away, to start his trip to Sweden.

Harry shrugged, and knocked.

"I'll get that!" they heard Mrs. Weasley yell. "You get back to your room, and don't you poke a toe outside of it until I tell you to move!" Harry could identify Ron's grumble, but not what he said.

"Now," Mrs. Weasley demanded, "who's there?"

"May we come in, Mrs. Weasley?" Harry asked.

Molly flung the door open, wand up, and stared. "Harry?" she whispered. "Harry . . . is it really you? And . . . Luna?"

"You cook eggs and omelets with a Muggle non-stick frying pan Bill bought you," Harry said. "You've knitted me a jumper every year for Christmas, and as you can see, I have last year's on. Last summer, when you saw that boggart, you saw me along with the rest of your children. You. . . ."

Molly grabbed Harry into a tight hug. "You're safe," she sobbed.

"Of course I'm safe," Harry murmured in her ear. "I know no one likes to admit it, but unfortunately I've had to improvise for my own safety my entire life, and I can always count on friends to help."

Mrs. Weasley looked over a Luna, a little surprised to realize that, for the first time, Harry was a more than a bit taller than she was. "Your father?"

Luna nodded, and Harry said, "We were very well hidden, you know."

"Well, no one could find you," Molly admitted.

"We would have stayed at least two more weeks, but when I heard what happened to Hermione's parents. . . ."

"You heard?"

"It was in the Muggle papers and the Muggle news," Harry answered.

Molly suddenly realized they were still standing in the front doorway, so she brought them in. "How did you get here?" she asked as she shut the door.

"I knew Remus had transformed early this morning, so I got hold of Mad-Eye. He dropped us off, and he's going to see Mister Lovegood." Harry sighed. "I really wish that no one else had to know, but you're going to tell, aren't you?" Molly looked torn.

"Mrs. Weasley, I know you care for me, but I am at the center of events," Harry said. "Dumbledore cares for me, too, but he has to care more about defeating Voldemort." Molly flinched. "Most of the people at the Ministry aren't like Mister Weasley -- they don't care about anything except for keeping their jobs, especially Fudge."

"Harry?"

Harry, Molly, and Luna looked towards the kitchen, and saw Hermione, red-eyed, standing in the corridor. Harry released Molly and moved towards her. "Hermione! I came as soon as I heard. . . ."

Hermione launched herself into Harry's arms, crying. "I'm so sorry about your parents," Harry whispered as he held his sobbing friend, "and I'm sorry I had to get away from most people for a while."

"You really just came back for me?" Hermione asked through her tears.

"Of course I came for you," Harry said simply. "You're my best friend. You're the sister I should have had." Harry kissed away some of the tears on her cheek. "I love you," he said, his hand against her other cheek. He wiped away another tear with his thumb.

Hermione gawked at this change in her best friend's behavior -- it was very different than any Harry she had known before, but she realized that this was a side of himself that Harry had always kept hidden before, not something foreign -- then hugged Harry tightly again. Only then did she notice who was with him. "Luna?" she whispered. "Are you two . . . more than friends now?"

"Yes," Harry whispered back. "I hope you're okay with that."

Hermione kissed Harry's cheek and went over and hugged Luna. "Is he alright?" Hermione whispered.

"He will be," Luna answered, once she caught her breath.

"I need to configure some beds for Ginny's room," Molly said. "I'll send her down in a few minutes."

Harry went over to Luna and Hermione, who were still comforting each other. "Don't forget to take your potion tonight," Harry reminded Luna. "I think you need to explain it to Hermione and Ginny."

Luna flushed and dropped her arms from around Hermione, but nodded. "It's nothing to be ashamed of," Harry reminded her, "and Hermione has probably heard all about it, any way."

Hermione wanted to ask about it, but they were interrupted by Ginny. "Well! It's about time! If it weren't summer, I'd hex you!"

"Ginny!" Hermione scolded. "He's safe, and we knew he was safe but in hiding. He wasn't even alone, like we were afraid he might have been."

"What? Luna?"

"Hello, Ginny," Luna said quietly.

Molly then came down and sent the three girls up the stairs. When they were gone, Harry told Mrs. Weasley about the potion, and the schedule Luna had to maintain to take it. He also showed her the food they had brought from the fridge and freezer at the house.

"I'd forgotten about that potion," Molly said as she put the food into cold storage. "I knew her mother fairly well, although she was between myself and your mother in age. We'll see to it that she's taken care of here." Her eyes narrowed. "Are you two a couple?"

Harry simply said, "We are."

"I see. Whatever else you think you may get away with, you two are to behave under my roof. Understand?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Your other things are in Ron's room, including your O.W.L. results. Ron isn't allowed out without my permission, except to the loo." Harry nodded.

"I'll have to alert Albus tonight, just to make sure we have enough security," Molly warned.

"I understand. Mrs. Wealsey. . . ."

"Yes, dear?"

"I know how much you and Mister Weasley care about me. . . ."

"Yes, we do, dear."

"I . . . this is more my home than any place I've ever been, except maybe for Hogwarts, and I care for you, too."

"But?"

"But since I need to have a legal guardian for the next year, and since I doubt the Ministry would allow Lupin. . . ."

"Yes?"

"I think it would be best if Alastor Moody did it."

Molly looked just as hurt as Harry had been afraid she would. "Why?"

"Because if I have a guardian, they need to protect me from Dumbledore in some ways, as well as from the Ministry. I'm afraid of the pressures that they, especially the Ministry, might put on you and your family."

Molly looked torn. It was her job to protect Harry, not his to protect her. Yet she had to admit he was likely right. "Very well, dear, but I expect Arthur, Remus, and myself to have some say."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Now, go look at your results. It may be the one thing that will take Hermione's mind off of her troubles."

Harry knocked on Ron's door. "Please leave me alone," Ron pled.

"Alright," Harry said, "I'll just go back where I came from. You'll have to explain it to your mum, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, your father, Dumbledore, Moody, Gred and F. . . ."

Ron flung the door open. "Harry!"

"Hi. Your mum said I could stay here."

"Where the hell have you been?"

"Sorry, Ron," Harry answered. "Short answer, I stayed with the Lovegoods in Diagon Alley for a few days, and then Luna and I went into hiding."

"You went into hiding with Loo. . . ."

"Luna!" Harry corrected firmly. "Are you going to let me in before Hermione comes and demands to see my O.W.L. scores?"

"Oh, we already know those," Ron said. "What? You said Hermione should make your schedule!"

"True," Harry admitted. "Come on, and let me explain what little I can explain."

The three girls showed up about twenty minutes later. Hermione joined Harry and Luna on Harry's cot while Ginny sat next to Ron. Hermione handed Harry his O.W.L. scores.

Required Courses and Theory
Astronomy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A
Charms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O
Defence against the Dark Arts. . . . . . . . O+
Herbology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A
History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T
Potions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E
Transfiguration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E
Theory I (Defence, Herbology, Potions) . . . E
Theory II (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration) E

Optional Courses
Care for Magical Creatures . . . . . . . . . E
Divination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A

All students are required to take between 5 & 7 courses. At least two must be on the N.E.W.T. level. You are eligible for the following N.E.W.T-level courses: Accounting & Introduction to Magical & Muggle Business Practices; Care for Magical Creatures; Charms; Defence against the Dark Arts; Divination; Preparation for Joining the Ministry; Preparation for Muggle University; Transfiguration.

You are eligible for the following vocational classes: Household Charms; Household Potions; Living with Muggles; Magical Traditions. You may also take Introduction to Apparation in the Spring.

"Let me guess, Care, Charms, Defense, Preparation for the Ministry, and Transfiguration?"

"And the Magical Traditions course. You can drop the Prep course, if you want," Hermione said. "I haven't had a chance to talk with Professors McGonagall or Lupin."

"I apparently have a trust fund," Harry mused. "Maybe I should drop the Ministry course and take the Business one."

Hermione shrugged. "I can't blame you for not wanting to join the Ministry any more. It's a shame more people there aren't like Mister Weasley."

"How about you two?" Harry asked. "How did you two do?"

Hermione had scored O's on all twelve of her O.W.L.s, to her relief and amazement, although to no one else's. Ron had scored eight: no O's, but he had E's in Defense and Care and A's in Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Divination, Herbology, and Theory II. Hermione was unsure which courses she would take, while Ron had opted for the Ministry course, Care, Divination (to his disgust, but Dumbledore had asked him to continue), Defense, Charms, and the 'Living with Muggles' course, as well as Apparation in the spring.

The teens broke up a few minutes later. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were a bit shocked to see how tenderly Harry and Luna kissed goodnight.

"So, you and Loo, err, Luna really are a couple?"

"Absolutely," Harry said firmly.

Harry woke up early the next morning. He ran into Luna as he came out of the bathroom, and they spent three minutes kissing before she had to run in to use the toilet.

Harry came down stairs, and was not really surprised to see Dumbledore and a very tired Remus Lupin sitting with Mr. Weasley at the table while Mrs. Weasley was at the stove. He was less pleased to see Snape lurking in a corner.

"Good morning," Harry said politely.

"Good morning, Harry," Dumbledore said. "I'm pleased to see you well."

"Why wouldn't I be, sir?" Harry asked, even more politely.

"You irresponsible. . . ." Snape started, but halted when Dumbledore raised his hand.

"We were worried about you, Harry," Remus answered.

"I appreciate that, sir," Harry answered. He switched over to looking at Dumbledore. "Just as you have to understand that your plans have caused me nothing but pain."

All the adults were staring at Harry in amazement, except for Snape, who was looking at him with loathing. "You trapped me in an abusive household. . . ." Snape snorted. Harry rounded on him, "Except for the fact that you were beaten more than I was, I was a lot worse off than you were, and you know it! You raped my mind often enough to know that!" Snape flushed, because even he knew both statements were at least partially true.

Harry switched back to Dumbledore. "You sent me back every summer, to be abused and starved, all in the name of 'protecting' me. Well, when Voldemort decided to attack me there, he found a way around it, didn't he? You keep me in the dark as to what I'll have to do, cripple me by trapping me at the Dursleys, and allow him," he pointed at Snape, "to rape my mind and leave me even more defenseless than I was naturally."

Snape and Dumbledore made noises of protest. "Before he got into my mind, I was having bad dreams. After that, I was having nightmares and by the time he was through, Voldemort could enter my mind almost at will."

"Oh, yes," Snape growled, "you have such natural talent!"

"Well," Harry smiled, "you're welcome to try me. Try and figure out where I hid, because that's the only way you'll ever find out! but if you dare try, I WILL defend myself."

Snape didn't hesitate. Molly screamed as he whipped out his wand and cried, "Legilimens!"

And he ran into blankness. Snape was slightly impressed, and went in deeper, searching for a flaw.

At first, he thought he had found one, as he could sense some feelings. As he approached the feelings, he suddenly tried to back off as he felt the hot power of Harry's passions.

He had to stop, because behind him was the cold fury Harry felt for him. Snape suddenly realized that he was surrounded by Harry's emotions, and they were strong. So strong that if he tried to break through them, he might be permanently damaged.

Harry turned away from Snape in less than ten seconds. Snape seemed frozen, staring out blankly.

"Harry!" Dumbledore protested. "Let him go!"

Harry shrugged. "Sorry. He can get out himself by relaxing. The only way I could break it is by using my wand, and that's illegal, isn't it?"

"Harry!"

"Did you happen to know that there is a fairly simple set of exercises to teach Occlumency to those who have a natural affinity for resisting the Imperius Curse?"

"Of course, but. . . ."

"And did Snape, excuse me, Professor Snape, know that?"

"Of course. Why. . . ?"

"And I assume he knew I can block, not just resist, the Imperius Curse with some ease?"

"Of course he knows that, but. . . ."

"Then why didn't he ever give me proper instruction? All he ever did was attack my mind! When are any of you ever going to disbelieve the lying crap in The Daily Prophet?"

"We don't believe them, Harry!" Remus protested.

"Well, you all act like you do! I don't lie. I don't exaggerate. Yet none of you treat me as if I have any idea of what's going on around me, or that I can be trusted to say anything. Even Ron and Hermione treat me that way sometimes. Why should I say anything if no one takes me seriously or is willing to help when I do? About the only people who haven't ever treated me like that are Luna, Ginny, and Neville."

The adults, except for Arthur, were making noises of protest. Mr. Weasley was nodding in agreement. Harry turned to Mrs. Weasley. "You've always sent reports to the Headmaster, right?"

"Well . . . yes," Molly admitted.

"I understand," Harry said in a pacifying manner. "So, you told him about the condition I was in after my Second and Fourth years, right?"

She nodded, silently.

"And that you were sending me food all summer before my Fourth year?" She nodded again.

"Did you tell him that the twins told you there were bars on my windows and that I was locked in my room when they rescued me?"

"You mean that was true?" Molly was aghast.

"Yes," Harry said simply. He turned back to Dumbledore. "In any event, Mrs. Figg has a view of that bedroom from the attic of her house. I bet she reported those bars. What did you think? That they were there to keep Death Eaters out?"

Harry stood. "I'm going flying before breakfast, if nobody minds." Harry left, coming back a few minutes later with his broomstick. He nodded to the adults, who were still staring wordlessly. As he passed by Snape, he performed the release spell wandlessly, added something else silently, and walked out the door.

Snape collapsed to the ground. Dumbledore examined him and said, "He is unharmed, but will be in a bad temper when he awakens. I shall take him to Hogwarts. Please tell Harry I shall return after lunch."

After Dumbledore left, Luna and Hermione cautiously came into the kitchen.

Molly sighed. "Why do my own children sleep longer than anyone else?"